Marcus Rashford, who recently completed a move to Barcelona, has openly expressed his admiration for fellow Barça prodigy Lamine Yamal, dubbing the youngster a serious contender for the prestigious Ballon d’Or award.

Rashford emphasized that Yamal’s footballing ability at just 16 or 17 years old is something seldom seen in the sport.

“It’s difficult to put into words because he’s not supposed to be doing that at this age,” Rashford remarked.

He highlighted Yamal’s maturity and playing at the highest level at such a young age as a rare skill, which sets the Spaniard apart not just now but as a future superstar poised for even greater achievements.

Rashford’s praise comes at a time when Yamal is engaged in a close race for the 2025 Ballon d’Or with established stars like Paris Saint-Germain’s Ousmane Dembele. While Rashford acknowledged Dembele’s incredible Champions League performances last season, his footballing instinct tells him that Yamal has what it takes to claim the trophy.

“Just off football ability, I think he [Yamal] has to win,” Rashford said, though he admitted that Dembele’s impressive stats make the competition tight. 

The Context of the 2025 Ballon d’Or Race

The 2025 Ballon d’Or promises to be an exciting showdown with veteran performers and awe-inspiring young talents vying for football’s ultimate individual honor.

Yamal’s statistics from last season speak volumes: 18 goals and 25 assists across competitions, leading assist-maker in La Liga, and key contributions to Barcelona’s domestic treble triumphs.

Rashford’s endorsement adds weight to Yamal’s candidacy and aligns with broader perceptions that the young forward is a special talent destined for footballing greatness.

Rashford, having experienced the pressures of top-flight football himself, recognizes the significance of Yamal’s mental toughness and skill set at such an early career stage. 

Rashford’s Ambitions and Playing Relationship with Yamal

Beyond his views on the Ballon d’Or, Rashford expressed his desire to play alongside Yamal, a partnership that became a reality after his own transfer to Barcelona. Rashford sees the Spaniard not just as a teammate but a symbol of a bright future for the club and world football itself.

“Everybody in the world wants to play with the best, so hopefully, we will see,” Rashford said eagerly. 

Ultimately, Rashford’s endorsement of Lamine Yamal serves as a powerful narrative about football’s upcoming generation, with the English forward casting Yamal as a beacon of hope and excellence as the sport heads into a new era.